With Barcelona announcing that they have sold Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich for just 25 million euros, Sky Sports and AS journalist Guillem Balague has stuck the knife in to new Manchester United boss David Moyes.

Bayern Munich have agreed a 25 million euro fee with Barcelona, circumventing the release clause as this would have meant the Germans would have to pay closer to 30 million for the Spain Under-21 international.

The two European giants also agreed a pre-season friendly as part of Thiago signing for last season’s treble winners.

Manchester United were heavily linked with Thiago and for much of the last few weeks were considered to be favourites to sign Mazinho’s son.

But, it appears to have been a straight battle between Pep Guardiola and David Moyes with the former Barcelona boss winning out, perhaps thanks to the fact his brother is Thiago’s agent.

Balague refutes Moyes’ suggestion in recent days that Manchester United were not even interested in Thiago and claims the Everton boss didn’t think he could cut it in the Premier League.

Whilst Balague is well connected, this suggestion could well stick, despite the fact no one really knows what was discussed between Manchester United and Thiago.

What is certain though, is that Manchester United still need to strengthen their midfield. Marouane Fellaini anyone?!